With Javier Hernandez and James Wilson the only options beyond the United captain in van Gaal’s squad both Cole and Scholes, who between them managed 276 goals during their time at Old Trafford, believe the club’s first priority should be a new forward.

Cole told BT Sport: “Manchester United need a centre-forward who’s going to score goals. It’s difficult because there aren’t many out there but you’ve got to get yourself one of Cavani, Benzema.”

Scholes echoed his former team mate’s suggestions but maintained that United should consider a Swedish veteran to swell their striking ranks.

Scholes added: “There doesn’t look like there’s enough goals in the team at the moment, from any position.

“You need more than one. They’ve lost two top-class centre-forwards in Falcao and Robin van Persie, ok Falcao wasn’t great while he was here but he has been a top centre-forward.

“You wonder if maybe they should take a chance on somebody like Ibrahimovic for a year, someone in the van Persie mould.”

Ibrahimovic has been a notoriously combustible individual and has a fiery relationship with United boss van Gaal, who he described as “a pompous ass” in his autobiography. However Scholes said he “doesn’t care [if Ibrahimovic and van Gaal get on] as long as he scores goals.”

After missing out to Chelsea in the hunt for Barcelona forward Pedro United’s interest has moved on to Sadio Mane. Southampton have issued a hands-off warning on their 23-year-old wide man and the former United striker warned Mane was not the answer to the club’s problems.

“Not Mane, I like him,” Cole said. “I’m not saying he can’t play for Manchester United but where United are looking to get you, you have to be looking top end. Those two [Cavani and Benzema] can bring quality to Manchester United.”